Neither representative nor completely abstract, artist Erika Lizée constructs site-specific installations with painted biomorphic forms that evoke a sense of wonder and a greater connection to the universe. Aimed at altering perceptions and expanding the collective consciousness, Lizée creates visually mystifying paradigms as she finds new ways to entice and express the powerful relationships between all living beings and the universe they inhabit.

Finding inspiration in the eternal search for understanding life as we know it, as well as the artistic space of the gallery itself, Lizée utilizes the white cube walls as symbolic thresholds between life and death and what is known and unknown in this world. Beyond the wall’s superficiality, more complex biomorphic forms combine within the natural boundaries of sacred geometry and the golden ratio, while other forms expand and emerge into the physical realm of the viewer.

Using the techniques of trompe l’oeil and sculptural painting, Lizée works in conjunction with actual light and perception—as if physical materials—to spark a sense of wonder in the viewer. Lizée’s artistic whimsy and soulful provocation create a transformative experience as viewers’ perceptions shift into greater understanding of the relationship between artistic materials and exhibition space. Creating a purposeful epiphany guides viewers into an enlightened state of being as they explore all of the complex details in the installations and discover new truths around every corner.

Finding fuel in scientific theory, mathematical truths and sequences, and the core similarities in all-natural creations, Lizée creates work that reflects her personal thirst for knowledge and understanding, while inspiring and engaging viewers into asking more questions and sparking more curiosities. Her work is not observational but participatory and stimulating.

Like a mysterious, alluring phantasm or the inner workings of a biomechanical beast, Lizee’s illusory paintings will transform the exhibition space at Gallery 825, leaping off the walls and infiltrating the minds and imaginations of visitors during her solo exhibition. The Dura-Lar paintings will push and pull with viewers’ perception of art and art space, of real and unreal, and of representation and abstraction. Speaking to the deep-rooted questions we all face with regards to the existence of the universe and our role, as humans, in it.

About the artist:
Erika Lizée received her MFA in Painting from CSU Northridge in 2007. In 2008, she was hired as full-time faculty at Moorpark College where she is currently an Associate Professor of Art, as well as the Director of the Moorpark College Art Gallery. Lizée is an artist that creates site-specific installations, as well as paintings and drawings. Most recently, Lizée built installations within the International Terminal at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and ArtShare LA. In September 2017, she participated in a group exhibit at Launch LA. Lizée’s work has been featured in Juxtapoz, Beautiful/Decay, Hi Fructose, The Huffington Post and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine. She currently resides in West Hills, California with her husband and two young children.